Every year, I write something about Veterans Day. I reflect on my military service, the people I served alongside, and what wearing our nation’s uniform meant to me. For years, I thought honoring their sacrifices and reminding others to remember was enough.
It wasn’t.
I began wondering what another essay, ceremony, or handshake accomplished for veterans struggling through ordinary Tuesdays when there are no flags or speeches, when someone sits alone wondering whether anybody would notice if they disappeared.
Veteran issues aren't just patriotic for me, they're personal because I’m a veteran with my own history of anxiety and depression. I know what it’s like to appear capable while wrestling with things nobody else sees. Some days are better than others. Ive come a long way, but I’m still figuring things out.
My Christian faith helped me recognize that perhaps the struggles I’ve spent years trying to overcome are all part of God's plan - and that plan is once I was able to get healthy, I could help others. My work as Commander of American Legion Post 247 and Chair of the Fauquier Regional Veterans Task Force for Mental Health has convinced me that saving veteran lives also means caring about everyone around them. Veterans are parents, spouses, children, and neighbors. Our faith guides Tim and me, but nobody needs to share our beliefs to belong.
These realizations led me to start "Do Not Drop" a year ago.
At its core, I created Do Not Drop because I needed to believe that my own struggles could serve a greater purpose. And I wanted other people to discover that theirs could, too. But to learn that, to built upon it - you have to stay the course. You can't quit - on yourself, your family, faith, or friends. So, as simple as it sounded, I created a message: Do Not Drop.
Shortly afterward, I shared the idea with my friend Tim Ridings of 5.11 Tactical. We connected through our Christian faith and belief that serving others requires more than good intentions. Tim believed in my vision and has supported me personally ever since.
Tim also serves as an Honor Flight Guardian, accompanying veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials honoring their service. He considers it a rewarding opportunity to give veterans the honor and respect they deserve.
“In a broken world full of broken people, be a light, Tim said. "Be a blessing to someone else. Take the time to genuinely check in with others. We are meant to do life together. I can’t thank the men and women who have served so I can enjoy the freedoms I have to live and worship in a free nation enough. Not just on Veterans Day, but every day. I did not answer the call to serve my country, and it’s a regret I carry today. But my service to 5.11 is rewarding because we serve those who serve. First responders saved my life years ago, and it’s my calling to give back and serve them today.”
Tim and I arrived here through different experiences, but we agree that service isn’t defined by a uniform or title. Sometimes it’s recognizing somebody needs you and deciding to show up.
This Veterans Day, I’m inviting you to first - never give up on yourself or others, and two: help us share the message to Do Not Drop.
Our ambition is enormous: confront veteran suicide, anxiety, depression, and loneliness while reminding people that their greatest strength isn’t found in never struggling, but in refusing to give up.
I’ll never be the best shot, hunter, or outdoorsman in our community. But I might be among its most transparent and vulnerable members. Whether that’s a gift or a curse depends on whom you ask. What I’ve learned, however, is that admitting I’m struggling doesn’t make me less of a man, a veteran, or a leader. It makes me human. And if my willingness to share those struggles helps someone else find the courage to ask for help, perhaps that’s worth more than anything I’ve ever accomplished in the woods.
It’s okay to shake. It’s not okay to stop.
Struggling is part of being human, and strength shouldn’t be confused with silence. I’ve needed help, asked for it, and expect I’ll need it again. Sometimes that means encouragement, sometimes accountability, and sometimes professional care.
Countless veterans organizations do tremendous work providing benefits assistance, healthcare, employment, and other services. I admire them and work alongside many. But Do Not Drop isn’t intended to become another organization competing for resources or offering another program.
We’re building a community where people share experiences, learn from one another, and discover purpose through helping others. I believe the hunting and outdoor community already possesses the relationships, generosity, and resources to make an extraordinary difference.
The simple message - "Do Not Drop" is and should be whatever you need it to be for you to get through whatever darkness you may be faced with
Consider what happens when you or your buddy shoots an elk miles from the truck. Our hunting partners don’t debate whether we deserve assistance. They complain about our terrible decision-making and start packing meat. They understand that difficult loads are easier to carry together. Why shouldn’t we approach emotional burdens the same way?
Think about the friend who stopped coming to deer camp or the veteran who no longer answers calls. Reach out. Hunting doesn’t cure depression, and fishing doesn’t replace treatment, but an invitation can remind somebody they still belong.
We’re starting with Do Not Drop bag tags and morale patches, simple reminders not to give up, and that asking for help demonstrates strength. Attach one to your gear. When somebody asks what it means, start a conversation. You never know where it might lead.
We want to keep things simple. Everyone's journey is unique but a common message to never give up on yourself, or on others, is universal.
Do Not Drop isn’t finished or perfect. Neither am I. But progress matters more than perfection, and waiting another year to get everything right won’t help somebody struggling today.
Over the next several months, Tim and I will continue building Do Not Drop, developing partnerships and finding ways for people to get involved. Some of our best ideas will undoubtedly come from people we haven’t met yet. I don’t want this to become something defined by two people. I want it shaped by a community willing to help one another through life’s hardest moments.
Visit www.donotdrop.org to learn more. If you want to help, or know someone who can, let us know.
It’s okay to shake. It’s not okay to stop. Do Not Drop.
– Jay Pinsky
540-229-9650